Final answer:
The period of 1876-1900 in U.S. history featured contested elections, with two presidents elected without a popular majority, use of colored paper ballots, and close contests between the two major parties. It included the Compromise of 1877, high tariff policies, and the emergence of third parties signaling a shift towards the Progressive Era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Election Period of 1876-1900:
During the elections of 1876-1900, several significant developments characterized the political landscape of the United States. Notably, the presidential election of 1876 was exceptionally contested and resulted in Rutherford B. Hayes, a Republican, winning the presidency despite losing the popular vote to Democrat Samuel Tilden. This marked one of the instances when a candidate became president without winning the popular vote.
Close contests and marginal victories were a hallmark of this period, reflecting a nation divided. Presidential elections were close, and the political strength of both Democrats and Republicans was roughly equivalent on a national level. This led to predictable outcomes in many states where one party was dominant and could afford to neglect voter concerns. The Compromise of 1877, following the contested election, further influenced the political climate, as it effectively ended Reconstruction in the Southern states and began an era of equilibrium in national politics.
The era also saw increased tariff rates under Republican leadership, with the likes of President Benjamin Harrison pushing for higher tariffs to protect Northern industries. These policies were a point of contention and featured prominently in subsequent elections. Towards the end of the period, the rise of a third political party introduced new measures more compelling to voters than the established concerns over tariffs, indicating the beginnings of a shift in the political landscape that would come to full fruition during the Progressive Era.